Director Business Development

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology, leveraging proven, cutting-edge methodologies to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, specializes in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, jet-powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid-tier defense contractor, we deliver aircraft to the US military and global allies, establishing ourselves as a go-to provider of affordable defense capabilities. Our team fosters innovation, collaboration, and growth in a supportive and dynamic workplace.

About the role

The Director of Business Development (DBD) synthesizes marketing, sales, and pursuit strategies across a business area (e.g., Air Force, Navy, Army, International Customers). This role leads account executives and marketing specialists, manages strategic partnerships, and implements overarching strategies defined by the SVP of Business Development to meet division goals. The DBD evaluates and recommends trade shows and budgets, ensures compliance with marketing activities, and oversees technical data export licensing for business development.

Responsibilities

• Establish marketing strategy for a product area (e.g., Air Force, Navy, Army, International Customers).
• Provide direction to Marketing specialists regarding show preparations.
• Develop and support time-phased bookings forecasts for financial planning.
• Identify, qualify, and quantify target opportunities; suggest pursuit strategies; contribute to overall business development strategy.
• Achieve bookings goals set by the SVP of Business Development.
• Initiate customer contact and follow-up with targeted agencies and companies.
• Foster continuous customer relationships with key industry and customer contacts across marketing, sales, executive, programmatic, representative, and technical disciplines.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of KUAS capabilities and articulate their value.
• Research and identify related markets of interest for review by the SVP.
• Prepare timely and compliant proposals within the assigned product area.
• Coordinate with the VP of Programs to ensure a unified approach to customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with marketing activities and oversee technical data export licensing.
• Develop and manage the business development budget for assigned product areas.
• Provide weekly/monthly input for status briefings to corporate management.
• Assign resources for trade shows and conduct all business activities with high ethical standards.
• Maintain specific knowledge of the product area (e.g., Targets or Tactical).
• Maintain a detailed Outlook calendar of travel, meetings, and events supporting business development activities.
• Communicate effectively, both written and verbally.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or Engineering Management.
• 15+ years of product management, engineering, and/or business development experience, with at least 2-3 years managing projects and budgets.
• Minimum 3 years of directly relevant experience in aerial targets/UAV or major aerial targets/UAV subsystem business development.
• Prior Department of Defense (DOD) experience required.
• Demonstrated experience in pioneering and executing win strategies.
• Proven success and leadership in major campaigns/proposals from inception through delivery.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Skills

• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information per government standards.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Excellent planning, organizational, project management, and time management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of company products, strong research, and analytical skills.
• Excellent influence and client management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with DOD, commercial, and international acquisition practices.
• Ability to work well in a team and excel as an individual contributor.
• Specific knowledge of the product area (e.g., Targets or Tactical).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Working knowledge of Contracts Management and Program Management, preferably with experience in both.
• Experience working for the Department of Defense in either acquisition or operationally relevant positions.
• Knowledge of major defense or commercial accounts.
• Active DOD Security Background Check with the ability to receive up to Top Secret SCI.

Work Environment

• Office and/or manufacturing environments.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (e.g., keyboarding, 10-key, phones).
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with safety guidelines.

Travel

Up to 50% travel, both domestic and international.

Pay

$195,000 - $250,000

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement